Dede

Dede Alderman began her music studies in the fifth grade, as a member of her school’s band.  Her interest in percussion led her to study ethnic and hand drumming.  During high school at TC Central, she started her own percussion business, “Rhythmic Adventures.”  Dede received her Associate’s Degree in Music at Northwestern Michigan College and later studied African Drum and Dance with Titios Sompa and Cheikh Thiam.  She studied world percussion through Layne Redmond, Judy Piazza, the North American Frame Drum Association, and in Ireland.   She attended Interlochen’s adult band camp in 2006 and 2007 and has performed at Interlochen’s Korson Auditorium several times.

Dede has attended workshops on Health Rhythms Empowerment Drumming, Facilitators Playshop Skill Training, and Drum Circle Music.  She has played with many bands of different genres and is an experienced studio musician.  Children and adults alike are continually delighted and mesmerized by her teaching and percussion possibilities.

Dede teaches percussion  in both  private and group lessons:

Band Percussion: Snare, Bells, Mallet, Stick Control (private)
World Percussion: Lessons in African, Irish, Cuban, Brazilian, Middle Eastern (groups or private)
Percussion Ensemble: learn percussion only pieces in a group setting, must have reading and basic percussion skill on sticks and mallets.  (group: 3 to 8 players)
FUNdamental Rhythm: for any instrument – work on reading, tempo and rhythmic precision (private)
Family Music Making & African Drumming (group)

“It’s time to stop thinking about the drum as just a musical instrument.  Start thinking of it as a unifying tool for every family, a wellness tool for every retiree, and an educational tool for every classroom. “- Remo Belli

Comments from Dede’s students:

“I found it very calming.  That is one thing I didn’t expect from drumming.”

“The drum meant joy, laughter, and freedom.”

“I liked doing the drums and I don’t like anything usually.”